15 breathtaking entries from National Geographic's Nature Photographer of the Year contest

National Geographic's Nature Photographer of the Year contest has kicked off and the entries are awe-inspiring. This year's judges are looking for photos that showcase the "diverse natural world around us."

Entries are divided into four categories: Landscape, Environmental Issues, Action, and Animal Portraits. Winners of their category will receive $2,500 in prize money, with $750 being given to runners up. The Grand Prize for the best photo across all categories is a 10-day trip for two to the Galápagos Islands with National Geographic Expeditions.

Check out our favorites below:

16PHOTOS

Breathtaking entries for National Geographic's 2016 Nature Photographer of the year contest

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Breathtaking entries for National Geographic's 2016 Nature Photographer of the year contest